UN Resident Coordinator Highlights the Importance of Deepening Democracy and Fostering Good Governance for Peace in the Sub-region

Mr. Niels Scott was speaking at the the Mano River Union Diplomatic, Peace, Security and Democracy Conference, held at the Farmington Hotel, Margibi County, Liberia , November 22nd -23rd. He stated that he took keen note of the rich ideas, profound insights and far-reaching recommendations that had been presented during the conference. He also welcomed President Weah’s leadership and bold clarion call for urgent concerted and common action by Member States. Similarly, he highlighted the President's  expressed high expectations about the role of the United Nations in supporting the maintenance and consolidation of peace and security in the sub-region. "While I hasten to reassure that the United Nations will continue to work with and support the Mano River Union, I also wish to highlight the existing partnership between the two institutions. The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel has been working closely with the Mano River Union to, inter alia, strengthen the Joint Border Security and Confidence Building Units. The United Nations Development Programme and the Mano River Union consolidated their collaborative efforts through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 27 November 2019 in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to enhance the effectiveness of their development efforts and strengthen regional peace and security"- Mr. Scott said. 

The UN Resident Coordinator stressed that this approach is in line with the vision of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on conflict prevention in which regional initiatives in the areas of peace and security are key instruments to prevent and sustainably resolve conflicts, strengthen States’ resilience in the face of current threats and promote sustainable development. 

He concluded by affirming the commitment of the United Nations in Liberia to continue to work to strengthen the Mano River Union partnership, and, together, consolidate peace, enhance security and deepen the democratic dividends.